Reference Assistance

Library of Congress Reference Correspondence Policy

The primary mission of the Library of Congress is to serve Members of the Congress
and thereafter, the needs of the government, other libraries, and members of
the
public, universities, and learned societies.

The Library of Congress encourages correspondents to use local library resources
first. Public, state, academic, and special libraries are often able to respond
more quickly and thoroughly than we and are better able to identify and respond
to specific and ongoing research needs. Local reference librarians often
rely on state and regional library networks to supplement their resources
and on the Library of Congress for questions requiring access to our collections.

Once correspondents have exhausted local and regional resources, they may
seek assistance from the Library of Congress. Our staff will respond to their
reference and information needs to the extent possible. Please note that
the scope of our services does not include: 1) compilation of bibliographies;
2) response to requests for information connected with school assignments,
debates, and contests; 3) translations; and 4) research in heraldry or
family history.

SCOPE:The Hispanic Division will provide a reasonable amount of basic
information about materials in its collection, and will serve as the library
of last resort for other questions when local resources have been exhausted.
Please indicate resources already consulted when requesting information about
a wide-ranging subject.

COPIES: The Library of Congress Duplication
Service will not reproduce copyrighted material without written permission
from the current copyright claimant. Securing such permission is the patron's
responsibility. (see Copyright Office for more information)

Please note: All of the following types of requests are treated equally.

LETTERS:

NB. Please be aware that all mail (U.S. Postal Service and private carrier)
sent to the Library of Congress is being screened off-site prior to arrival
on Capitol Hill. This process can add 3 to 5 days to the delivery time for
all mail sent to the Hispanic Division.